The Olmsted County budget: A careful planning process

  • News
  • Oct 14, 2026

As we approach year-end, many organizations, including Olmsted County, are preparing their budgets for the upcoming calendar year. Over the next several weeks, we will share more information about the Olmsted County budget to help inform and engage you, our residents.

In September 2026, the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners set the preliminary levy for 2027. The preliminary levy is the maximum amount the board cannot exceed when it approves the final 2027 budget and levy on December 15, 2026.  

Our county budget is the plan for how we pay for the services people use every day. These services include public safety, roads, public health, child protection, services for older adults, and much more. Olmsted County has inventoried close to 400 programs and services we provide; approximately half are required by state or federal law, meaning counties must provide them no matter what. Other services include priorities residents have told us they value, such as parks and trails.

Breakdown of expenses per division from our 2026 Budget in Brief document. $13 million for administrative services, $177 million for physical development, $60 million for public safety, and $163 million for health, housing, and human services.
Breakdown of expenses by division from our 2026 Budget in Brief document: $13 million for Administrative Services, $177 million for Physical Development, $60 million for Public Safety, and $163 million for Health, Housing, and Human Services. A 2027 Budget in Brief will be available after December 15, 2026.

Developing the Olmsted County budget is a careful, months-long process that includes retreats and workshops with the county board elected to represent Olmsted County residents, along with opportunities for the public to stay informed and involved. Thoughtful decisions for this coming year’s budget will help reduce costs, such as delaying or scaling back some capital projects, not filling several vacant positions, and making changes to services we previously contracted out.

Want to learn more? Stay tuned for additional articles in the coming weeks. Residents are also encouraged to attend public meetings, including the Truth in Taxation meeting on December 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. and the final budget approval meeting on December 15, 2026, at 6 p.m. You can attend in person or listen online. More information about county public meetings is available on our website. 

You can also share questions and feedback with your county commissioner anytime. Commissioner contact information is available on the Olmsted County website.